Huddersfield 24-16 Hull: Tui Lolohea steers Giants to semi-finals

An influential performance from Tui Lolohea inspired Huddersfield to a 24-16 victory over Hull, sending the Giants into the Challenge Cup semi-finals.

The Giants got off to the perfect start as Samoa international Ricky Leutele scored inside eight minutes, which was converted by Tui Lolohea.

Ian Watson’s side extended their lead midway through the first half thanks to a penalty goal from Lolohea.

Hull hit back on the half hour mark by getting their first of the game through Joe Lovodua, with Luke Gale converting.

Huddersfield extended their lead when in-form back-rower Chris McQueen darted over.

Another penalty goal from Tonga international Lolohea gave the Giants a 16-6 lead at the half-time interval.

HT: Huddersfield Giants 16-6 Hull FC

Brett Hodgson’s Hull side pulled one back shortly after the second half restart thanks to forward Andre Savelio. The try was again converted by Gale.

But the Giants regained pole position on the hour as Luke Yates made a break to assist the supporting Lolohea who finished the move.

With seven minutes left on the clock, Lolohea added his sixth goal from as many attempts to put his side in a 24-12 lead.

The Airlie Birds fought until the end though. Former Huddersfield winger Darnell McIntosh went over out wide with five minutes left.

Huddersfield sealed a 24-16 victory to progress to the Challenge Cup semi-finals alongside Hull KR, St Helens and Wakefield or Wigan.

FT: Huddersfield Giants 24-16 Hull FC

Huddersfield: Lolohea, Golding, Cudjoe, Leutele, Senior; Cogger, Fages; Hill, Levi, Wilson, Jones, McQueen, Yates. Subs: Greenwood, Ikahihifo, Lawrence, English.

Tries: Leutele, McQueen, Lolohea Goals: Lolohea 6

Hull: Connor; Swift, Vulikijapani, Griffin, McIntosh; Lovodua, Gale; Sao, Houghton, Satae, Savelio, Ma’u, Brown. Subs: Evans, Fash, Johnstone, Reynolds.

Tries: Lovodua, Savelio, McIntosh Goals: Gale 2

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